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Bernadete Soares de Sousa, a 34-year-old mother from Atauro Island, was flown to Timor-Leste’s national hospital in Dili by MAF for emergency treatment following severe postpartum bleeding. The 15-minute flight, a viable alternative to a perilous one to three-hour sea crossing, proved crucial in saving Bernadete’s life.
Following the successful medevac flight on 16th April 2023, MAF continued to provide support through hospital visits and supplies. Bernadete expressed her relief and gratitude saying, “When I heard that I would be transferred by MAF’s plane, I believed that I still had hope of surviving.” Her husband Fernando Soares also thanked MAF for their invaluable assistance.
The family was discharged and later returned home to Atauro Island.
Since starting its service in Timor-Leste in 2007, MAF has flown over 3,000 patients like Bernadete for medical evacuations.
If you want to ensure MAF continues to do this amazing work in Timor-Leste, please donate by visiting www.maf-uk.org/flyforlife.
Photos by Lobitos Alves
